Democrat looks for another 7th District surprise

CONWAY, S.C. (AP) - Gloria Bromell Tinubu (Broh-MEHL' Tih-NOO'-boo) is working to pull another surprise on Election Day in South Carolina's new 7th Congressional District.

In June, she upset the party establishment choice for the Democratic nomination - and in so doing got more votes than Tom Rice, her Republican opponent next month.

Francis Marion University political scientist David White says Bromell Tinubu's showing means she's not to be underestimated. But he adds she has an uphill fight in the Republican-leaning district in northeastern South Carolina.

A recent Winthrop University poll finds 49% of likely voters favor Rice to 36% for the Democrat. And Federal Election Commission filings show Rice has spent about $700,000 - more than twice as much as Bromell Tinubu.

New filings are due Monday, and the candidates debate on Wednesday.

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